Up front, only Pogacar. But Albanese is now great.

This is how the Tour of Slovenia ends, and it ends as everyone predicted: it ends in the name of Tadej Pogacar, who was also able to win the last stage and the general classification in front of his fans. Too strong for everyone, even on the difficult finish in Novo Mesto, which with a short climb in the finale cut off all the sprinters: in front the phenomena, and behind the others to do battle. And among the others, once again, our Vincenzo Albanese showed off: today’s finish was on paper suitable for him, but the pace imposed by Pogacar was really unbearable. Alba held on, finished eighth, but most importantly, he confirmed his fourth place in the general classification: an outstanding result, considering the names that were at the start of this Tour of Slovenia.

The day had not started well for EOLO-KOMETA, with the withdrawal of Fortunato who did not start the stage due to too much pain after crashes at the Adriatica Ionica Race and those in the last stages. A disappointment mitigated by Albanese’s beautiful ride, which makes one look forward to the upcoming National Championships with much, much confidence.

Jesus Hernandez, DS: “With Albanese’s eighth place today closes a Tour of Slovenia that has been beautiful for us. Every day we put one of our own in the top 10, and to finish fourth overall with World Tour riders ahead of us is something that leaves a very good taste in our mouths. The team always worked well, either for Fortunato or Albanese, and I think we gave the image of a team that keeps growing because all the riders had a great Giro. We were unlucky with Lorenzo’s two crashes, but I am delighted with the level we kept every day certified by the second place in the team classification.”

Sprint Cycling